λύπη (lupē)
lupē
grief
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun lupē denotes deep sorrow or grief, encompassing both mental anguish and physical pain. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in John’s Gospel and Paul’s letters, such as when Jesus describes his disciples’ hearts being heavy with sadness before his arrest (John 16:6). The word captures a profound sense of affliction that weighs on the spirit.
A key distinction arises in how this grief is characterized. Paul contrasts worldly sorrow, which leads to death, with godly sorrow that produces repentance and salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10). This suggests lupē can be a transformative experience when aligned with divine truth, rather than merely a destructive emotion. It stands in direct opposition to joy, as seen in passages where grief is replaced by the promise of future happiness (John 16:20).
Etymologically, lupē likely stems from a root meaning to cut or pierce, reflecting how sorrow can feel like an internal wound. This vivid imagery helps explain why translators often render it as "grief" or "sorrow" rather than simple sadness. The term carries significant theological weight, illustrating that even deep pain can serve a purposeful role in spiritual growth when directed toward God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word lupē describes a grief that feels like an internal wound, cutting deep into the spirit. It is not merely a passing sadness but a heavy sorrow that can weigh down the heart, as Jesus noted when He saw His disciples overwhelmed before His arrest. This language acknowledges that pain is a real part of the human experience, even for those who follow Christ.
Yet Scripture also shows that this grief is not always a dead end. Paul distinguishes between a sorrow that leads to despair and a 'godly sorrow' that opens the door to repentance and healing. When we bring our deepest hurts to God, He can transform that heavy burden into something that produces peace and righteousness. Your pain is seen, and it has a place in your journey with Him.
This word reminds us that we do not have to hide our sorrow. Even Jesus experienced profound grief, and He invites us to bring our honest feelings to Him. In time, the promise remains that our tears can be turned into joy, offering hope that no wound is beyond His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- grief8×
- sorrow4×
- regret1×
- pain1×
- of grief,1×
- griefs1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λύπην5×
- λύπη5×
- λύπῃ2×
- λύπης2×
- λύπης,1×
- λύπας1×
Key Verses
-
John 16:20
Most certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
This verse highlights the temporary nature of lupē by contrasting it with the enduring joy that follows.
-
II Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.
Paul uses this term to distinguish between destructive worldly sorrow and the repentance that leads to salvation.
-
John 16:22
Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
Here Jesus promises that the disciples' current grief will be replaced by a joy that no one can take away.
-
Hebrews 12:11
All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
The author notes that discipline feels like grievous lupē in the moment but yields peaceful fruit later.